By Whitney Cranshaw, specialist in entomology, Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension

The greatest nightmare of most insects that inhabit garden soils is the ground beetle.
Ground beetles are very common insects which develop as predators, dispatching cutworms,
beetle larvae, and other common pests with their strong, hooked jaws. Their mane
reflects the fact that although they are highly active insects, most ground beetles are
poor climbers and are restricted to areas around the soil surface.

Ground beetles are typically dark brown or black and somewhat shiny, although a few
take on brilliant blue and green coloration. They are elongate in body form and the
jaws are prominent. Because the are active only at night, ground beetles beneficial
activities often are underappreciated. Gardeners sometimes may encounter a few when
flipping over rocks, boards or other debris causing the fast moving beetles to scatter for
cover.

The larvae are also predators of insects. Generally pale-colored and worm-like,
they tunnel through soil and may be observed sometimes when spading a garden bed.